Overview

• The Indian government has officially approved a ₹63,000-crore deal to procure 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Navy's INS Vikrant.
• The acquisition includes weapons, simulators, spares, crew training, and logistical support from the French government.
• The Rafale Marine jets are designed for aircraft carrier operations, featuring enhanced survivability in harsh maritime conditions.
• This procurement serves as an interim solution while India develops its indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF).
• The deal leverages commonality with the Indian Air Force's Rafale fleet, streamlining training, maintenance, and logistics.